JP2008117710A - Multi-directional input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-directional input device in which click feeling can be obtained while securing operation safety of an operation body. <P>SOLUTION: In the multi-directional input deice, opposing faces are arranged and installed opposite to an operation member 51 in a case 21. The opposing faces are composed of a click member 41 formed as a parallel face becoming parallel with an XY flat face in an XY coordinate system and a sliding member 52 sliding on the parallel face of the click member 41 in conjunction with the operation member 51. Then, numerous engaging recesses 41a are formed on the flat face of the click member 41. Moreover, at the sliding member 52, an engaging member 56 capable of engaging with the engaging recesses 41a and of displacing in an amplitude direction to a slidingly contact face which is a side face of the click member 41 side of the sliding member 52, and a coil spring 55 which always biases the engaging member 56 into a direction protruding to a sliding contact face of the sliding member 52 are installed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slide operation type multi-directional input device that performs analog input in the XY directions in an XY coordinate system by a slide operation in an electronic apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a vehicle, a display system has been proposed that includes an input device disposed in an easily operable location such as a center console and a display disposed in an easily visible location such as a center cluster panel. Has been. The user operates the operating tool of the input device to select one function item from the plurality of function items displayed on the display, and to display a desired screen or to activate the accessory equipment of the vehicle. From the viewpoint of the selection operability of each function item, the input device of the system includes four directions (up / down / left / right) or diagonal directions by operating the operating body while looking at the cursor and other indicators displayed on the screen. Multi-directional input such as 8 directions is required.

  As such a multi-directional input device, for example, one having a configuration shown in Patent Document 1 is known. That is, the input device includes a first moving body that is slidable in the X direction in the case and a second moving body that is also slidable in the Y direction, and they are combined at a right angle. It becomes. The 1st and 2nd moving bodies are made into the symmetrical shape by which the resin slider was provided in those both ends. Each resin slider is slidably received with respect to the inner surface of the case, and the rib-shaped protrusion formed on the upper surface of the slider slides in a guide groove extending in the sliding direction formed on the inner surface of the case. It is possible to be fitted. In addition, the input device includes a shaft that is slidable through the first and second moving bodies at a right angle, and an operating body that is connected outside the case to slide the shaft. It is equipped with.

The operating body is held at the origin position by springs attached to the first and second moving bodies. When the operating body is slid in the X direction against this holding force, only the first moving body slides in the X direction. Then, when the contact provided on the first moving body is in sliding contact with the resistance circuit of the substrate disposed opposite to the contact, an electric signal corresponding to the amount of movement of the first moving body is output from the substrate. Is done. Similarly, when the operating body is slid in the Y direction, only the second moving body slides in the Y direction. Then, when the contact provided on the second moving body slides on the resistance circuit of the substrate disposed opposite to the contact, an electric signal corresponding to the amount of movement of the second moving body is output from the substrate. Is done. A detection signal corresponding to the moving direction and the moving amount of the operating body is output by a combination of the operations of the first and second moving bodies.
JP 2006-216457 A

  However, in the conventional multi-directional input device, there is a problem that it is difficult to stop the pointer at the target position due to overshoot or the like when operating the operating body to move the pointer on the display to stop it on a desired function item. there were. Therefore, the applicant of the present application, for example, in order to suitably stop the pointer at the target position, for example, each resin slider or the inner surface of the case slidably contacting each resin slider, or the rib-like protrusion of each resin slider or the guide groove of the case By providing the above, it is considered that a sense of moderation is imparted when the operating body is slid. In this case, in order to ensure a smooth sliding operation of the operating body, it is necessary to strictly manage the shape and dimensional accuracy of the moderation mountain. However, even in such a case, since the resin slider side (rib-shaped protrusion) and the case side (guide groove) are slip pairs, the displacement of the first and second moving bodies accompanying the slide operation of the operating body At the time, rattling or the like occurred, and there still remained a concern that the smooth movement thereof, that is, the operation stability of the operating body was impaired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multidirectional input device that can provide a sense of moderation while ensuring the operation stability of the operating body.

  The invention described in claim 1 includes a case having an opening at the top, an operating body that is exposed to the outside through the opening of the case and is slidable in multiple directions along the XY plane in the XY coordinate system; A multi-directional input device comprising detection means for detecting a movement amount of the operating body in the X direction and the Y direction and outputting the detection signals as operation position information of the operating body. A moderation member that is disposed so as to face the operating body and the facing surface is formed as a parallel surface that is parallel to the XY plane, and is linked to the operation body and on a parallel surface of the moderation member. A sliding member that slides, and a plurality of engaging recesses are formed in a parallel surface of the moderation member, while the sliding member is engageable with the engaging recess and the sliding member Moderation member side And an urging means for constantly urging the engaging member in a direction protruding from the sliding contact surface of the sliding member. Is the gist.

  According to the present invention, when the operating body is slid, the sliding member and the moderation member are in surface contact with each other, so that rattling of the operating body is suppressed. For this reason, the operating body can be stably slid. Further, a moderation feeling is obtained by the engagement member engaging with the engagement recess of the moderation member in accordance with the slide operation of the operating body. Therefore, a feeling of moderation can be obtained while ensuring the operational stability of the operating body.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional input device according to the first aspect, the engaging recesses of the moderation member are arranged in a grid in the vertical and horizontal directions along the X and Y directions in the XY coordinate system. The gist of this is

  According to the present invention, as the operating body slides, the engaging member sequentially engages with the numerous engaging recesses arranged in a grid in the vertical and horizontal directions along the X and Y directions. Moderation is suitably obtained.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional input device according to the first aspect, each engaging concave portion of the moderation member is formed as a concave line extending in the X direction and the Y direction in the XY coordinate system, and The gist is that the concave stripes are arranged in a lattice shape by being combined vertically and horizontally over the entire parallel surface of the moderation member.

  According to the present invention, as the operating body slides, the engaging member sequentially engages with the numerous engaging recesses arranged in a grid in the vertical and horizontal directions along the X and Y directions. Moderation is suitably obtained. Further, since the engaging recess is formed as a groove extending in the X direction or the Y-axis direction in the XY coordinate system, the operating body slides in the X direction or the Y direction with the engagement member engaged with the recess. When operated, the engaging member is guided by the concave stripe, so that the operating body can be suitably slid in the X direction or the Y direction. That is, the engagement recess (concave line) has a function of guiding the operating body in the X direction or the Y direction.

The gist of the invention according to claim 4 is the multidirectional input device according to claim 3, wherein the engaging recess is formed so as to be capable of accommodating the engaging member.
According to the present invention, when the operating body is slid in the X direction or the Y direction in a state where the engaging member is engaged with the groove as the engaging recess, the engaging member is displaced to the inside of the sliding member. Therefore, the operating body can be suitably slid. Further, as the operating body slides, the engaging member is displaced in the immersing direction with respect to the sliding surface of the sliding member against the urging force of the urging means, so that the operating body is moved in the X direction and the Y direction, for example. It is also possible to operate in an oblique direction other than.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional input device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a smooth curved surface is provided between each engaging recess and the parallel surface of the moderation member. The gist is to be continuous.

According to the present invention, movement between adjacent engaging recesses of the engaging member is smoothly performed. As a result, the slide operation of the operating body is also performed smoothly.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional input device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the sliding member is disposed immediately below the operating body. The gist.

According to the present invention, the operating force applied to the operating body can be suitably transmitted to the sliding member. For this reason, a smooth slide operation of the operation member is possible.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional input device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operating body and the sliding member are coupled by a coupling member, and the coupling is performed. The gist of the invention is that the member is provided with a slide member that can move integrally with the operating body, and a guide member that guides the slide member in a direction along the XY plane in the XY coordinate system is provided inside the case. To do.

According to the present invention, the slide member provided so as to be able to move integrally with the operating body is guided by the guide member on the case side, so that the operating body can be stably slid.
The gist of an eighth aspect of the invention is that the multidirectional input device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is used for operation of an on-vehicle electronic device.

  According to the multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a stable operability of the operating body is obtained, and a suitable moderation feeling is obtained with the operation. Thus, it is suitable as an input device for an on-vehicle electronic device. That is, while traveling, vibration or shaking occurs, but when the operating body is operated, the sliding contact surface of the sliding member is always in surface contact with the parallel surface of the moderation member or Since wobble is suppressed, stable operation is possible. In addition, since a moderate sense of moderation can be obtained during the slide operation of the operating body, erroneous operation or erroneous selection of the selection target is also suppressed.

  According to the present invention, in the multi-directional input device, a sense of moderation can be obtained while ensuring the operation stability of the operating body.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a multidirectional input device used in a display system that is an electronic device for a vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. The display system is for operating ancillary equipment of a vehicle such as an air conditioner, an audio, and a navigation system.

<Outline of display system>
First, an overview of the display system 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 10 includes a display 11 disposed on an instrument panel or the like that can be easily viewed by the user in the vehicle interior, a center console that can be easily operated by the user in the vehicle interior, and the like. The multi-directional input device 12 is provided. For example, the instrument panel is provided with a plurality of selection switches (not shown) for selecting ancillary equipment of a vehicle such as an air conditioner, an audio and a navigation system. When any one of the plurality of selection switches is operated, the screen 11a of the display 11 displays an operation status corresponding to the attached device corresponding to the operated selection switch, or one or a plurality of function items. Is displayed. For example, when a selection switch corresponding to an air conditioner is operated, the operation status, function items for temperature setting, and the like are displayed on the screen 11a. When a selection switch corresponding to the navigation system is operated, a function item such as a guidance map or destination setting is displayed on the screen 11a. The user can cause the selected accessory device to perform a desired operation by superimposing the pointer displayed on the screen 11a on a desired function item and performing a predetermined determination operation through the operation of the multidirectional input device 12. It is possible.

<Multi-directional input device>
Next, the multidirectional input device will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the case 21 of the multidirectional input device 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole by combining a box-shaped case main body 22 having an upper opening and a cover 23 that closes the upper opening of the case main body 22. It has a shape. A support wall 24 that is parallel to the inner bottom surface of the case body 22, that is, the XY plane in the XY coordinate system, is formed at the lower portion of the inner surface of the case body 22. Two guide members 25 and 26 extending in parallel to the inner bottom surface of the case body 22 are formed on the upper portions of the two inner side surfaces of the case body 22 facing each other. One guide member 25 of the two guide members 25, 26 is disposed above the support wall 24 on the inner surface where the support wall 24 is formed, and the other guide member 26 is formed by the support wall 24. It is provided on the inner surface facing the inner surface. The upper surfaces of the two guide members 25 and 26 are parallel to the inner bottom surface of the case body 22, and the distances between the inner bottom surface of the case body 22 and the upper surfaces of the two guide members 25 and 26 are equal to each other. These guide members 25 and 26 are provided. On the other hand, a circular (see FIG. 1) operation window 27 is formed through the cover 23, and a tapered surface 27 a whose diameter increases toward the outside is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the operation window 27. Has been.

  A flat slide member 28 is disposed between the upper surfaces of the two guide members 25 and 26 so as to be slidable in multiple directions along the XY plane in the XY coordinate system. The slide member 28 covers the operation window 27 of the cover 23 attached to the case body 22 from the inside, and a through hole 28 a is formed at a portion corresponding to the operation window 27. A circuit board 31 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the case body 22, and various electronic components including a tact switch 32 and a microcomputer 33 are provided on the circuit board 31. Further, a pair of support members 34 (only one is shown in FIG. 2) are provided on the inner bottom surface of the case body 22 on the side of the circuit board 31. Between the support members 34, a first end portion (left end portion in FIG. 2) of the flat plate-like holder 35 is supported so as to be rotatable about the shaft 36. The second end opposite to the first end of the holder 35 is in contact with the tact switch 32 on the side surface on the circuit board 31 side. Thereby, the holder 35 is maintained in a state parallel to the inner bottom surface of the case body 22. Usually, the holder 35 is held in the parallel state. When a pressing force from above is applied to the holder 35, the holder 35 rotates downward (circuit board 31 side) about the shaft 36, whereby the tact switch 32 is pressed.

  A moderation member 41 (detent sheet) formed in a flat plate shape from a synthetic resin material is disposed on the upper surface of the holder 35. As shown in FIG. 4A, the upper surface of the moderation member 41 is formed as a parallel surface parallel to the XY plane in the XY coordinate system, and the parallel surface has a large number of engagements over the entire surface. A concavity 41a is formed. Each engaging recess 41a is arranged in a grid in the vertical and horizontal directions along the X and Y directions in the XY coordinate system. Each engaging recess 41a is formed in a conical shape whose diameter decreases toward the inside. Between each engagement recessed part 41a and the site | part in which each engagement recessed part 41a in the upper surface of the moderation member 41 is not formed, it is smoothly continued by the curved surface.

  On the upper surface of the moderation member 41, the operation member 51 is slidably mounted in multiple directions along the XY plane in the XY coordinate system. The operation member 51 is provided on a columnar sliding member 52 placed on the upper surface of the moderation member 41, a connecting member 53 connected to the center of the upper surface of the sliding member 52, and an upper end of the connecting member 53. A cylindrical operation body 54 is provided. The connecting member 53 and the operation body 54 are integrally formed by injection molding of a synthetic resin material or the like. The sliding member 52 is provided so as to face the operating body 54, that is, to be positioned directly below the operating body 54. A side surface of the sliding member 52 on the moderation member 41 side is a sliding contact surface that comes into sliding contact with the sliding member 52.

  The length in the vertical direction of the operation member 51 is set so that the operation body 54 is exposed to the outside through the operation window 27 in a state where the operation member 51 is placed on the upper surface of the moderation member 41. The connecting member 53 is inserted into a through hole 28a of a slide member 28 disposed between the upper surfaces of the two guide members 25 and 26 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. Thereby, the operation member 51 can be displaced in the vertical direction with respect to the slide member 28. Further, when the slide member 28 is guided by the guide members 25 and 26, the operation member 51 can be stably slid in multiple directions along the XY plane in the XY coordinate system.

  A cylindrical accommodation portion 52a is recessed in the center of the side surface of the sliding member 52 on the moderation member 41 side, and a spherical engagement member 56 is provided in the accommodation portion 52a via a coil spring 55. It is housed in a partially exposed state. The engaging member 56 is movably accommodated in the accommodating portion 52 a and is always urged in a direction protruding from the accommodating portion 52 a by the elastic force of the coil spring 55. The movement of the engaging member 56 in the direction protruding from the housing portion 52 a is restricted by the engaging member 56 coming into contact with the moderation member 41. Then, the engaging member 56 is engaged with each engaging recess 41 a by the elastic force of the coil spring 55, so that the operating member 51 is maintained at the operation position at that time. When the operation member 51 is pressed, the holder 35 is pressed downward via the moderation member 41 and rotated downward (on the circuit board 31 side) about the shaft 36, whereby the tact switch 32 is pressed. Is done.

<Position detection mechanism>
As shown in FIG. 3, a pantograph type link mechanism 61 is connected to the connecting member 53. That is, the link mechanism 61 includes a pair of first arms 62a and 62b that are rotatably connected to the connecting member 53, and a pin 63a at the end of the first arms 62a and 62b opposite to the connecting member 53. , 63b and a pair of second arms 64a, 64b that are rotatably connected. The pair of second arms 64a and 64b are provided so as to intersect with each other, and are rotatably connected by pins 65 at the intersections. Rack members 66a and 66b (tooth teeth) are connected to the ends (free ends) of the pair of second arms 64a and 64b opposite to the first arms 62a and 62b. Tooth profiles are formed on the side surfaces of the rack members 66a and 66b opposite to the second arms 64a and 64b. Therefore, when the operation member 51 is slid, the link mechanism 61 expands and contracts with the displacement of the operation member 51, and the rack members 66 a and 66 b swing around the pin 65 accordingly.

  On the other hand, two rotary potentiometers 71 a and 71 b are disposed on the upper surface of the support wall 24 provided on the inner side surface of the case body 22. Rotating shafts 72a and 72b project from the upper surfaces of the potentiometers 71a and 71b, and gears 73a and 73b are rotatably provided on the rotating shafts 72a and 72b. The two gears 73a and 73b mesh with the rack members 66a and 66b, respectively. Therefore, when the rack members 66a and 66b swing around the pin 65 as the operating member 51 is slid, the swinging motion is converted into the rotational motion of the rotary shafts 72a and 72b through the gears 73a and 73b. The two potentiometers 71a and 71b output the rotation angle signals Sθa and Sθb corresponding to the swinging amounts around the rack members 66a and 66b and the pin 65 of the second arms 64a and 64b. That is, the potentiometers 71 a and 71 b output the rotation angle signals Sθa and Sθb, which are detection signals of the displacement amount of the operation member 51 in the X direction and the Y direction, as operation position information of the operation member 51.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the display system 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, a pair of potentiometers 71 a and 71 b and a tact switch 32 are connected to the control device 81 of the multidirectional input device 12. The control device 81 is connected to the display 11 and a vehicle accessory device 82. The control device 81 obtains the operation position of the operation member 51 as a relative coordinate value based on the rotation angle signals Sθa and Sθb from the pair of potentiometers 71a and 71b, and outputs the relative coordinate value Sv to the display 11. The display 11 obtains a target position (coordinates) on the screen 11a of the pointer displayed on the screen 11a based on the relative coordinate value Sv from the control device 81, and moves the pointer to the obtained target position. The tact switch 32 is turned on through the holder 35 when the operation member 51 is pressed, and outputs an on signal Son indicating that to the control device 81. When the control device 81 receives the ON signal Son, the control device 81 performs a predetermined operation assigned to the function item on the auxiliary device 82 of the vehicle corresponding to the function item on the screen 11a selected by the pointer at this time. The control signal Sc is output to the accessory device 82 as much as possible.

<Operation of Embodiment>
Next, an operation mode of the display system configured as described above will be described.
When operating ancillary equipment 82 of a vehicle such as an air conditioner, audio and navigation system, first, a selection switch corresponding to a desired ancillary equipment provided on an instrument panel or the like is operated. Then, on the screen 11a of the display 11, the operation status and a plurality of function items corresponding to the incidental device corresponding to the operated selection switch are displayed. The user superimposes the pointer displayed on the screen 11a on a desired function item through the operation of the multidirectional input device 12, and performs a predetermined determination operation, thereby causing the selected accessory device to execute a desired operation.

  When the operation member 51 is slid in a predetermined direction along the XY plane in the XY coordinate system through the operation body 54, the engagement member 56 that engages with one engagement recess 41a moves over the inner surface of the coil spring 55. It moves to the back of the accommodating part 52a against the elastic force. Then, the engaging member 56 climbs over the inner surface of the engaging recess 41a and is formed between the other engaging recess 41a adjacent in the operation direction of the operating member 51 (the upper surface of the moderation member 41). To. When the operating member 51 is further slid in the predetermined direction, the engaging member 56 moves from the top to the adjacent engaging recess 41a in the operating direction of the operating member 51, and the elastic force of the coil spring 55 Engage with the adjacent engaging recess 41a.

  As described above, by repeating engagement and disengagement with respect to the engagement recess 41a, a continuous moderation feeling can be suitably obtained when the operation member 51 is slid. For this reason, overshooting of the pointer on the screen 11a with respect to the target position is suppressed, and the pointer can be suitably stopped at the target position. Further, when the operating member 51 is slid, the engaging member 56 moves toward the back of the accommodating portion 52a against the elastic force of the coil spring 55, so that the sliding member 52 is a side surface on the moderation member 41 side. The moving surface slides in surface contact with the upper surface of the moderation member 41. For this reason, rattling or the like does not occur when the operation member 51 is slid, and the operation member 51 can be stably operated.

<Effect of Embodiment>
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The multi-directional input device 12 is disposed in the case 21 so as to face the operation member 51, and the facing surface is formed as a parallel surface parallel to the XY plane in the XY coordinate system. The moderation member 41 and the sliding member 52 that slides on the parallel surface of the moderation member 41 so as to be interlocked with the operation member 51 are provided. A large number of engaging recesses 41 a are formed on the parallel surface of the moderation member 41. Further, the sliding member 52 is provided with an engaging member 56 that can be engaged with the engaging recess 41a and can be displaced in a protruding and retracting direction with respect to a sliding contact surface that is a side surface of the sliding member 52 on the moderation member 41 side. And a coil spring 55 that constantly urges the engaging member 56 in a direction protruding from the sliding contact surface of the sliding member 52 is provided.

  When the operating member 51 is slid, the engaging member 56 moves to the back of the accommodating portion 52a against the elastic force of the coil spring 55, so that the sliding surface which is the side surface of the sliding member 52 on the moderation member 41 side is provided. Slides in surface contact with the upper surface of the moderation member 41. For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of rattling etc. at the time of slide operation of the operation member 51 is suppressed, and the stable operation of the said operation member 51 is attained. Further, when the operation member 51 is slid, the engagement member 56 is engaged with the engagement recess 41a of the moderation member 41, so that an appropriate degree of moderation is obtained. Therefore, a sense of moderation can be obtained while ensuring the operation stability of the operation member 51.

  (2) The engaging recesses 41a of the moderation member 41 are arranged in a grid in the vertical and horizontal directions along the X and Y directions in the XY coordinates. For this reason, with the sliding operation of the operating member, the engaging member 56 is successively engaged with a large number of engaging recesses 41a arranged in a lattice shape in the vertical and horizontal directions along the X direction and the Y direction. Is preferably obtained.

  (3) Between each engaging recessed part 41a and the site | part in which each engaging recessed part 41a in the parallel surface of the moderation member 41 is not formed, it is smoothly continued by the curved surface. For this reason, the movement of the engaging member 56 between the adjacent engaging recesses 41a is performed smoothly. As a result, the sliding operation of the operating body is also performed smoothly.

  (4) The sliding member is disposed immediately below the operation body. For this reason, the operating force applied to the operating body 54 can be suitably transmitted to the sliding member 52. Therefore, a smooth slide operation of the operation member 51 is possible.

  (5) The connecting member 53 that connects the operating body 54 and the sliding member 52 constituting the operating member 51 has a sliding operation of the operating body 54 (more precisely, it is displaced integrally with the operating body 54). Two guide members 25, 26 for guiding the slide member 28) are provided. For this reason, the slide operation of the operating body 54 is guided by the guide members 25 and 26, so that a stable slide operation is possible.

  (6) The operation body 54, the connecting member 53, and the sliding member 52 are integrally formed. For this reason, the number of members of the multidirectional input device 12 can be reduced. As a result, the manufacturing cost or product cost of the multidirectional input device 12 can be reduced.

  (7) The multi-directional input device 12 is used for operation of an on-vehicle electronic device. According to the multidirectional input device 12, a stable operability of the operating body can be obtained, and a suitable moderation feeling can be obtained with the operation, and therefore, it is suitable as an input device for an in-vehicle electronic device. That is, while traveling, vibration or shaking occurs, but when the operating body is operated, the sliding contact surface of the sliding member is always in surface contact with the parallel surface of the moderation member or Since wobble is suppressed, stable operation is possible. In addition, since a moderate sense of moderation can be obtained during the slide operation of the operating body, erroneous operation or erroneous selection of the selection target is also suppressed.

  (8) The moderation mechanism that imparts moderation when operating the operation member 51 includes the moderation member 41 having a large number of engagement recesses 41 a and the engagement member 56 that engages with the engagement recesses 41 a of the moderation member 41. Both the moderation member 41 and the engagement member 56 are the pair of first arms 62a and 62b constituting the link mechanism 61, or the slide member 28 for guiding the slide operation of the operation member 51 or the two guide members 25 and 26. It is provided independently. For this reason, unlike the case where, for example, a moderation mountain is provided in those portions, a feeling of moderation can be easily obtained while maintaining a smooth sliding operation of the operation member 51. Moreover, the request | requirement with respect to the dimensional accuracy of the moderation member 41 and the engaging member 56 is also suppressed.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the moderation member. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the upper surface (parallel surface) of the moderation member 91 has a large number of concave strips 91 a extending in the X and Y directions in the XY coordinates combined vertically and horizontally over the entire surface of the moderation member 91. Is formed in a lattice shape. Each concave strip 91a is formed so that its cross-sectional shape is a quadrangle. Moreover, between each groove 91a and the site | part in which each groove 91a in the upper surface of the moderation member 91 is not formed is smoothly continued by the curved surface. As shown in FIG. 4D, the depth and width of the recess 91a may be set so that the spherical engaging member 56 can be accommodated.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) As the operating member 51 is slid, the engaging members 56 are sequentially engaged with the recesses 91a, whereby continuous moderation is suitably obtained. Further, each recess 91a is formed so as to extend in the X direction or the Y-axis direction in the XY coordinate system, so that the operation member 51 is in the X direction or Y with the engagement member 56 engaged with the recess 91a. When the sliding operation is performed in the direction, the engaging member 56 is guided by the recess 91a, so that the operating member 51 can be suitably slid in the X direction or the Y direction. That is, the concave strip 91a functions as a guide groove for the operation member 51 in the X direction or the Y direction. Note that when the operating member 51 is operated in an oblique direction different from the X direction or the Y direction, the engaging member 56 is displaced to the back of the sliding member 52, so that the operation in the oblique direction is not hindered. .

  (2) Further, since each concave line 91a and the upper surface of the moderation member 91 are smoothly continuous by a curved surface, the engagement member 56 is smoothly moved between the concave lines 91a. For this reason, as a result, the slide operation of the operation member 51 is also performed smoothly.

  (3) When the engaging member 56 can be accommodated in the concave strip 91a, the engaging member 56 is concave compared to the case where the engaging member 56 is engaged with the opening portion of the concave strip 91a. Enter the depths of the strip 91a. Then, the coil spring 55 extends by the amount of the entry, and the upward reaction force acting on the operation member 51 is also small. Therefore, particularly when the operation member 51 is slid in the X direction or the Y direction in a state where the engagement member 56 is engaged with the recess 91a, the operation member 51 can be suitably slid.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, you may implement this Embodiment as follows.
The moderation member 41 of the first embodiment and the moderation member 91 of the second embodiment can be combined. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), on the upper surface of the moderation member 101, a large number of conical engagement recesses 101a are formed in a lattice shape in the vertical and horizontal directions along the X and Y directions in the XY coordinate system. It is arranged. In addition, on the upper surface of the moderation member 101, between the vertical and horizontal rows of the engagement concave portions 101a, a large number of concave strips 101b extending in the X and Y directions in the XY coordinates are combined vertically and horizontally over the entire surface of the moderation member 101. It is formed in a lattice shape. Even if it does in this way, suitable moderation feeling is acquired, ensuring the operation stability of the operation member 51. FIG.

  -In 1st Embodiment, although the engagement recessed part 41a was formed in cone shape, you may change a shape arbitrarily. For example, the engaging recess 41a can be formed in a hemispherical shape, a quadrangular pyramid shape, a polygonal shape, a cylindrical shape, or a quadrangular prism. Even when the engagement recess 41a has such a shape, a suitable moderation feeling can be obtained while ensuring the operation stability of the operation member 51.

  -In 2nd Embodiment, although each recessed strip 91a was formed so that the cross-sectional shape might become a rectangle, you may change a shape arbitrarily. For example, the concave strip 91a can be formed in a semispherical section or a triangular section. Even if each concave strip 91a has such a shape, a suitable moderation feeling can be obtained while ensuring the operation stability of the operation member 51.

In the first and second embodiments, the connecting member 53 and the operation body 54 are integrally formed. However, they may be configured as separate members and combined.
In the first and second embodiments, the sliding member 52 is provided immediately below the operation body 54, but may be provided by being shifted in a predetermined direction along the XY plane. Even in this case, the sliding member 52 slides on the moderation members 41 and 91 in conjunction with the operation body 54.

  In the first and second embodiments, the multidirectional input device 12 is fixed to the vehicle side, but may be provided so as to be detachable. The multidirectional input device 12 may be provided so as to be portable.

  -In 1st and 2nd embodiment, although the selection switch which selects the incidental apparatus 82 of a vehicle was provided in the instrument panel, for example, you may make it provide in the case 21 of the multidirectional input device 12. . In this case, the selection switch is preferably provided on the cover 23 constituting the case 21.

  In the first and second embodiments, after the operating member 51 is slid, a return mechanism for automatically returning to a predetermined origin position may be provided. In this case, for example, torsion coil springs (not shown) are provided on the pins 63a and 63b of the link mechanism 61.

  In the first and second embodiments, the moderation members 41 and 91 are disposed on the upper surface of the holder 35, but the following may be employed. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, an accommodation recess 111 corresponding to the outer shape of the moderation members 41 and 91 is formed on the upper surface of the holder 35, and the accommodation recess 111 has a moderation rate. Members 41 and 91 are disposed. Further, the thicknesses of the moderation members 41 and 91 and the depth of the accommodation recess 111 are set so that the upper surfaces of the moderation members 41 and 91 are flush with the upper surface of the holder 35. In this way, the thickness of the moderation members 41 and 91 can be reduced. It is also possible to arrange the moderation member 101 shown in FIG.

  -In 1st and 2nd embodiment, the shape of a holder can also be changed suitably. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the holder 120 is formed in a disk shape. An extension part 121 projects from the outer peripheral edge of the holder 120, and shafts 122 project from two side edges located on opposite sides of the extension part 121. The holder 120 is supported so as to be rotatable about the shaft 122 between the two support members 34 provided on the case body 22 side. In addition, an accommodation recess 111 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is formed on the upper surface of the holder 120, and the moderation members 41 and 91 or the above-described FIG. 4C is shown in the accommodation recess 111. It is also possible to arrange the moderation member 101.

  In the first and second embodiments, the potentiometers 71a and 71b are arranged on the upper surface of the support wall 24 provided inside the case main body 22, but as shown in FIG. It is also possible to arrange on 31. In this way, the connection work between the potentiometers 71a and 71b and the circuit board 31 is simplified.

  In the first and second embodiments, the holder 35 is rotatably supported at the end opposite to the potentiometers 71a and 71b. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the potentiometers 71a and 71b It is also possible to pivotally support at the side end.

  In the first and second embodiments, the input device of the vehicle-mounted electronic device is embodied, but for example, various video devices such as a home television or a video deck, or remote control of other electronic devices It can also be embodied as an input device of a portable terminal such as a device or a cellular phone.

The perspective view which shows roughly the external appearance of the display system in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 2-2 sectional drawing of FIG. (A) is the principal part perspective view of the moderation member of 1st Embodiment, (b) is the principal part perspective view of the moderation member of 2nd Embodiment, (c), (d) is others The principal part perspective view of the moderation member of embodiment. The block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the display system in 1st and 2nd embodiment. (A), (b) is principal part sectional drawing of the multidirectional input device which shows the arrangement | positioning aspect of the moderation member in other embodiment. The perspective view of the holder in other embodiments. The principal part sectional drawing of the multidirectional input device which shows the arrangement | positioning aspect of the potentiometer in other embodiment. Sectional drawing of the principal part of the multidirectional input device which shows the rotation direction of the holder in other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Multi-directional input device, 21 ... Case, 25, 26 ... Guide member, 27 ... Operation window (opening part), 28 ... Slide member, 41, 91, 101 ... Moderation member, 41a, 101a ... Engagement recessed part, 52 ... Sliding member 53. Connecting member 54. Operation body 55. Coil spring 56. Engaging member 71 a and 71 b Potentiometer (detecting means) 91 a and 101 b.

Claims (8)

A case having an opening at the top, an operating body that is exposed to the outside through the opening of the case and is slidable in multiple directions along the XY plane in the XY coordinate system, and the X direction and Y of the operating body A multidirectional input device comprising detection means for detecting a movement amount in a direction and outputting the detection signals as operation position information of the operating body,
A moderation member which is disposed so as to face the operating body in the case and the facing surface is formed as a parallel surface parallel to the XY plane;
A sliding member that interlocks with the operating body and slides on a parallel surface of the moderation member,
A plurality of engaging recesses are formed on the parallel surface of the moderation member, while the sliding member is engageable with the engagement recess and against a sliding contact surface that is a side surface of the sliding member on the moderation member side. A multidirectional input device provided with an engaging member provided so as to be displaceable in a protruding and retracting direction and an urging means for constantly urging the engaging member in a direction protruding from a sliding contact surface of the sliding member. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1,
Each engagement recessed part of the said moderation member is a multi-directional input device arrange | positioned by the grid | lattice form along the X direction and the Y direction in an XY coordinate system. The multidirectional input device according to claim 1,
The engaging recesses of the moderation member are formed as recesses extending in the X direction and the Y direction in the XY coordinate system, and these recesses are arranged in a lattice pattern by being combined vertically and horizontally over the entire parallel surface of the moderation member. A multi-directional input device.   The multidirectional input device according to claim 3, wherein the engaging recess is formed so as to be capable of accommodating the engaging member.   The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a space between each engaging recess and the parallel surface of the moderation member is smoothly continued by a curved surface.   The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sliding member is disposed immediately below the operation body. In the multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The operating body and the sliding member are connected by a connecting member, and the connecting member is provided with a slide member so as to be movable together with the operating body.
A multidirectional input device in which a guide member for guiding the slide member in a direction along an XY plane in an XY coordinate system is provided inside the case.   The multidirectional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the multidirectional input device is used for operating an in-vehicle electronic device.

Images